Global Sports : United Adapting To LvG Philosophy

Louis van Gaal says his Manchester United players have needed time to understand and adjust to his playing philosophy and tactics.
United travel to Swansea this Saturday, having lost 2-1 to them at home on the opening day of the season in the Dutchman’s first league game in charge.
After a perfect pre-season, which saw them record victories over Los Angeles Galaxy, Inter, Roma, Real Madrid, Liverpool and Valencia, Gary Monk’s side brought them down to earth with a bump at Old Trafford.
However, one defeat in the last 19 games has seen United climb into the top three in the Premier League while booking their place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
Speaking to the media ahead of the trip to the Liberty Stadium, van Gaal said: “I have seen when we change the system during the game that we always surprise our opponent and that’s why it’s also a good thing of our team, that we can change the system during matches.
“Of course, it is not always that we improve our game but mostly we have improved and won the match, so that’s important. When you see the scores of the last 19 or 20 matches we are the best team in the league. So that is why I think confidence is also high like it was at the beginning.
“Now I believe every player knows the philosophy of me and my staff. Every one wants to follow that philosophy. The team spirit is unbelievable.
“We have shown a lot of spirit and that is attractive for me the coach and for the fans because you can see the players want to follow the philosophy.”
And van Gaal admits his side face a huge challenge to extend their recent fine run in south Wales this weekend.
“Swansea are a very good team, I like to see them playing,” he said. “They want to play football. They want to make the game a passing game like we do, so I like that kind of football. I hope it shall be a match like that on Saturday.
“The spirit in the squad is fantastic. The players want to do everything for the team – that is important.”
Van Gaal has been boosted ahead of the trip with the return to fitness of his compatriot Robin van Persie.
Van Persie missed the 3-1 win over Preston on Monday because of an unspecified injury, but has been included in the squad although there is no place for Michael Carrick, who continues to recover from the calf injury he suffered last month.
However, defender Phil Jones is fit to travel having overcome the knee problem which kept him out of the cup win at Deepdale.